Meet Michaela Gutierrez | Yoga Facilitator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michaela Gutierrez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kye, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Southern Arizona, born and raised in the desert! Both of my parents were entrepreneurs, so I was brought up with that mindset. I have always found my work ethic to be much stronger and more focused when I am working on my own passion projects vs clocking in at a job. I think I have always equated working for myself as a kind of freedom.
I grew up wandering the desert on the edge of town, moving my body all day and watching every sunset that I could. I think my love for nature and the stillness it offers is what has made me so passionate about bringing outdoor yoga experiences to people today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am very much so still in the thick of it when it comes to building this business and transitioning into doing it full time. I had a huge vision when I started, but I did not know how I would monetize it right away. I knew that developing a brand and building trust was the first thing I needed to focus on, and I did not want to rush that step in order to chase money. For that reason I have remained employed full time during this whole process. As you can imagine, that brings along a huge load of challenges. I am a one woman band and I find myself planning events during my evenings and days off which makes me struggle with work-life balance a bit. It has certainly not been easy, but that feeling I get when I hear raving feedback from attendees post-event is what keeps me so dedicated to this vision. I believe whole heartedly that nature and movement are a powerful medicine that modern humans need more of in their lives. I am thrilled to finally be at a place where I can dedicate more time and energy to this business and am so excited to see how it grows over the next year!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were to show the best of Tucson in a week I would definitely make my number one priority an over night camp on Mount Lemmon to experience the sky island pine forest! I would also hit some other gorgeous nature areas like Tucson Mountain Park, Hutches Pools and Tanque Verde Falls. Tumerico for lunch would be a must for my absolute favorite plant based options! And some takeout from Karuna’s Thai!
Stops at Hop Shop for some excellent patio chill time and Tucson Beer House for their awesome craft selections!
Also taking a walk down Congress and 4th ave for some downtown Tucson shopping.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have gained inspiration from so many people and places but I know that none of my ideas would have organized themselves in a productive way if it were not for one of my dearest friends, Mariah Grimes. This woman is a powerhouse for enthusiasm and entrepreneurial ventures! She has been my most impactful mentor and my number one fan for years. It was definitely because of her support during my first year in business that I was able to create such a vivd vision and take necessary chances I would have never taken alone. She has such a keen sense of branding, has had beautiful business ventures of her own and makes friends with every business owner she meets. I am so honored to have her as one of my greatest teachers!

Website: www.outthereyoga.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/out.there.yoga/

Image Credits
Micah Samuelsen Moon Valley Creative Arlo Dizon Kelli Cathrine Photo Nicolette Shannon